The AuctionGreers

Auctioneer Magazine Features Auction University with Cover Story: "Making Waves" by Brian Schribner

2011-12-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

Col. Melanie Eifling was honored
with a featured article in Auctioneer
magazine this month (December 2011) in a fascinating article about the power of
radio. Brian Schribner interviews two
Auctioneers who are using the power of radio to enhance their business.”Whether
they're on the Internet, local stations or a myriad of other formats, radio
programs can help Auctioneers boost auction attendance, promote the industry and
build relationships”, say National Auctioneers Association members. Doug
Dennison of Rowell Auctions Inc., St. Augustine, Fla., conducts a weekly show
called the "National Real Estate Auction Radio Show," and Melanie
Eifling, BAS, of Bill Colson Auction & Realty Co. Inc., Nashville, Tenn.,
is in the early stages of launching Auction University, a web-based radio platform.
Schribner reports on Q&As, concerning best practices for promoting auctions
through radio. The query was submitted to Eifling and Dennison in November.

A link for the article may be
found by accessing: “Making
Waves – Members Harness the power of Radio”.

Have fun LISTENING to the
upbeat views of Dennison and Eifling on how the sound of your voice can
socially power your business.

Photo Courtasy of Teresa Bamford:

Bill Colson (CAI), Melanie Eifling (BAS), Cookie Lockhart (CAI, CES, GPPA)

Auction University Features: "The First Ladies of Auction"

2011-12-06T12:56:00.000-08:00

Auction University takes to the waves with its first segment for women in auction.
Cookie Lockhart, (CAI, CES, GPPA) the only woman ever inducted into the NAA
Auctioneer’s Hall of Fame; was the first guest. Lockhart is legendary for her
straight forward approach, sparkling glasses, and impressive hats. “The First
Ladies of Auction” segments will feature the auction industry’s great women in
an education format for new women entering the business. Melanie Eifling (BAS),
the show’s hostess and producer; hopes the segment will serve men with an
education as well. Eifling commented, “Women in today’s business think they
should be equal to men. Actually, Cookie influenced me to remember I am a woman
and a power house of woman’s intuition”. Auction
University believes the show will become an industry learning tool. Experts
of all types of auction with years of experience will be the featured guests.
The purpose of the online radio program is to use the experience and the pitfalls
of Auctioneers to educate others.

“Learn
all you can from the mistakes of others. You won't have time to make them all
yourself.” ~Alfred Sheinwold
Please enjoy the first interview with Col Cookie Lockhart.

Bidding and Fishing for Some Hope for St Jude Children's Hospital

2011-08-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

Bidding and Fishing for Some Hope for St Jude Children's Hospital

Hometown St Jude Benefit Events Continue Raising Funds and Community Interest for the Children of St Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis, TN

Publish Date: 08/28/2011

Franklin, Tennessee is the ideal hometown. Characters are definitely welcome. Hometown St Jude Benefit Events is decidedly character packed! St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is funded solely via voluntary contributions from the general public and events like the St. Jude Hometown Benefits. The National Auctioneer's Association (NAA), partnered with the legendary facility, and launched its "Auction for Hope Program" to enable NAA Auctioneers such as Tennessee's Auction power couple, The AuctionGreers , to do what they do best - raise money! Hometown St Jude Benefits will be bidding for hope and fishing for kids! Why Hometown? Rallying for a great cause, hometown liberal and visual artists, business professionals, professional organizations, local media, area merchants, and fans from Tennessee unite. Collectively, this group makes their Hometown a place for hope for the children of St Jude.

On Friday September 16^th, 2011, The AuctionGreers of Colson Auctions will be hosting its 7^th annual St. Jude Hometown Benefits; Auction for Hope, to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital^Â®, at Puckett's Grocery 4142 Old Hillsboro Road, Franklin, Tennessee. Thanks to Waylon Jennings's hometown Franklin resident; Ritchie Albright - Waymore's Outlaws will perform after a live and silent auction. The 3^rd annual Bass Fishing Tournament will be held at Eagle Bay Marina , located on beautiful Kentucky Lake, 6565 Turkey Creek Rd, Waverly, Tennessee on Sunday September 25^th at daylight. Please visit www.FishnBid.com for event information and fishing tournament entry forms. The fishing tournament pays a total purse of $1,750.00 with the first place team receiving a prominent $1000.00 prize.

The live auction on Friday September 16th, 2011 will feature live online bidding via Auction Zip Live ! Interested bidders who cannot make it to the auction you can still bid on the amazing live items online! Live auction items will feature a Martin DX1 Test Model donated by CF Martin Guitars of Nazareth, Pennsylvania. The Martin DX1 is a spruce fronted natural wood acoustic guitar, which will be painted by Nashville's Hometown "Nancy" cartoonist - Guy Gilchrist . Gilchrist has donated his time and talent to create a one of a kind item readily aspired by both art and instrument collectors. A video press release featuring the epic work of Gilchrist and his altruism can be found on You Tube .

An Electric Blue Electric Guitar signed by Nashville's Hometown Sweetheart - Taylor Swift will be sold to the highest bidder. A Bubblegum Pink Electric Guitar donated by Hometown Franklin, Tennessee's Franklin Guitar and Repair, hallmarks signature's of Music City's ladies of Country Music. Over 25 of the CMA's most talented artists comprising three decades are characterized on the guitar. Rooster Tails of Franklin, TN will donate a custom crafted one of a kind, furniture piece to be sold to one blessed bidder. The Rooster Tails offering has accompanied the benefit since its inception and is indeed a hometown favorite.

Historic Leiper's Fork , Tennessee has become a tourist delight for a charming weekend getaway. The Village of Leiper's Fork is "just down the hollow" from downtown Franklin. "A Hometown Experience" will be sold to the adventurous bidder. The weekend package will offer a Leiper's Fork B&B stay, local entertainment, gifts from merchant's of the Village of Leiper's Fork, dinner and a show at Puckett's of Leiper's Fork, and special outings unique only to the little country venue.

So many choices to help two great events make success for one great charity! Mark your calendars for a special time to help provide hope for children affected by childhood cancer. Weather you fish, bid, give - or just enjoy one of these two events; it is your Hometown St Jude Benefit Event.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , located in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the world's premier pediatric cancer research centers. Its mission is to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was founded by entertainer Danny Thomas and opened on February 4, 1962. St. Jude is the largest pediatric cancer research center in the world. The hospital treats children without regard to race, creed, and religion, and no child has ever been turned away because of an inability to pay. It takes more than $1.7 million a day to provide for the high quality care and cutting edge research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This is possible only through voluntary contributions from the general public and events like the St. Jude Hometown Benefits. The National Auctioneer's Association (NAA) is a proud partner of St Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Tennessee Culture Preserved by Nunnelly Generation's End

2011-06-16T20:16:00.000-07:00

The Absolute Auction of the

Nunnelly Brothers Farm Estate

A Tennessee generation’s end embraces its birthplace by returning the past. The Nunnelly brothers protected a five generation legacy by placing the farm in the Tennessee Land Trust. The history within its walls will be sold in June at absolute auction.

Walter Nunnelly III “Wad” and William “Bill” Nunnelly grew up on the banks of the Piney River on the Nunnelly Farm. Although the fifth generation of this family made careers and lives outside of Hickman County, their love of the land and its tradition never left home. With no heirs of their own, the brothers signed an agreement with The Land Trust of Tennessee to forever protect nearly 1000 acres and original family homesteads. Recently the Nunnelly Farm was sold. While the Tennessee Land Trust protects the integrity of the farm, the personal property presented an immense challenge. No Nunnelly generation was left unpreserved. The homes housed historical furniture, artifacts, WWI memories, fine china and unprecedented letters. Bill and Wad solved the riddle of what next - by offering the remaining personal property to the community at absolute auction. The Nunnelly Brothers Estate will be liquidated Saturday June 25^th, 2011 at 9:30 am. More information and hundreds of photographs can be found at: Colson Auctions, Auction Zip -The Nunnelly Family Estate or FaceBook for: The Nunnelly Family Estate.

The Nunnelly family recollects its roots in the Hickman County Seat of Vernon Tennessee to 1844. According to the written family history provide by Walter Nunnelly III; Lawson Nunnelly purchased 793 acres and the original family home. Lawson later amassed over 10,000 acres of farmland and operated a general merchandise store. The community of Nunnelly was formed in 1879 when the Railroad was given easement through the property. Lawson’s son Walter Nunnelly I, inherited the home in 1885. Walter’s sons, Will and Pitts Nunnelly purchased the farm from their sisters after their father’s death in 1930. Will resided in the original home and Pitts built a red brick house down the lane in 1936. Walter Nunnelly II who was the son of Pitts inherited the family farm in 1942. In 1983 Bill and Wad, the fifth generation of Nunnellys to reside on this farm, were bestowed the original homesteads and 1000 acres.

According to Bill and Walter III, “This farm is very special to us and should remain intact. We know that much will change, but we made a decision to protect the farm for the future, and be assured the bounty of this land will remain.” Conscious of the historical effect of the family and its history upon the community of Nunnelly, the brothers chose personal keepsakes and decided the rest of history belonged to the community. Absolute auction presented the fairest and timeliest method of liquidation. Make plans to attend one of the most mesmerizing family collections in middle Tennessee. The auction will begin promptly at 9:30 am at the Nunnelly Brothers Farm 1687 Highway 230 West, Nunnelly, TN 37137. Join The AuctionGreers of Bill Colson Auction and Realty in the exciting dispersal of this estate.

Sources: Mrs. Walter Nunnelly II, Walter Nunnelly III, "Written history of the Nunnelly Family".

Fundraising - Operative word ~ FUN!

2010-09-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

Are you in search of a fundraiser in these economic times that will work for your organization? Are you worried supporters of your cause are stressed and stretched to the maximum? As professional fundraisers - The AuctionGreers see this stress on a regular basis. The basics are essential. Most individuals will still pay what they can afford - for FUN! Imagine - the supporters of your cause are enduring the stress you considered everyday! The people who have become defeated will be the only responders to admit they need to be concerned with their own personal family crisis. Invent an economical way to make your event a "getaway" from the economic stress!

Research the events your locals are paying to attend in your area. Visit the venues and ask questions. What is the majority of attendees ordering? Whom do they come and visit? What are they willing to pay for? I promise you if a venue is successful in these economic times - the reason is obvious! A professional benefit Auctioneer may seriously be the best investment made in your fundraising checklist. A professional Auctioneer will know how to add excitement, entertainment, and humor to a creative item and hit a homerun with the dollars she raises! Should you be hosting an event in an economically stressed area, get creative! Have your planning committee research items of the essential nature that consumers are willing to buy! Food, housing, and home essentials are always a safe bet! Creative items can include selling: a private viewing of a building demolition, driving a car for a demolition derby, or even operating a piece of heavy equipment at a local construction site! I have even explored movie extra parts, a radio talk show guest, a live tree planted by a local horticulturist, and the adventure of a hot air balloon ride! I have sold trail rides with world champion horse trainers and cooking classes with a local celebrity chef! The real thing sometimes is what your consumers are willing to pay more to own! Specifically, they are willing to pay real money for something they might invest in any way. They even leave with an enhanced sense of well being given they have made a sensible investment while simultaneously benefitting your cause.

I interviewed a friend who was an interior designer. She was somewhat depressed by the slowing list of new clients; since the recent economic depression. I suggested she donate an hour of frugal design consultation for a local auction! She was thrilled to be able to help! She has further turned the idea into a class to be offered at a local community center for students who wish to try a lower budget - "do it yourself" design scheme. Remarkably, her gift of her expertise turned into a gift for herself. A nice little monthly relief for the slack in cash flow her family had suffered.

The moral of this story is continued to live your dream of funding your passionate cause! Simply don't overlook the obvious! Think on your feet if necessary! Just remain focused on the ultimate goal; generating capitol for your philanthropy! A nonprofit survives the same way as for profit business - it generates money to run its business. The only difference is the non profit's business is supporting its cause. Open your minds to any way a consumer could enjoy opening their wallet and their hearts to maintain your non-profit's goal! Happy fundraising! We will chat again soon!

The AuctionGreers

How can I help The AuctionGreers help raise money for charities?

2010-04-20T15:46:00.000-07:00

The AuctionGreers have recently completed a special training course with the NAA, National Auctioneers Association to become: Benefit Auctioneer Specialists - BAS!

Benefit auctions are one of the fasting growing segments of the auction business!
The BAS course is designed to teach the planning techniques that create successful benefit auctions. Auctioneers who complete the course study to receive this designation - learn specialized benefit marketing skills, create a business strategy, and to assist clients with building clientele and profits.

If a live Charity Auction is conducted correctly it can realize upwards of 67% percent of your event's entire income. The other third (33%) of the revenue generated is from the combined total of ticket sales as well as additional event income via: a silent auction, raffles, or other proceeds.

When considering whether or not to hire an auction professional for your event; Can the person you are considering to host the events provide the following elements:

* Can they ask for money and use trained and well tuned expertise to extract thousands of extra dollars from the crowd?

* Can they identify the experienced bidders in a crowd and know what they're likely to buy?

* Do they already have loyal and dedicated auction clients? Could they bring crowd of regulars who could boost your event profits?

* Are they going to be a big help with marketing, planning, and promotion?

* Do they understand bidding increments and how asking for the bigger dollar influences the buyer?

* Are they interested in you continued success and the passion you have for your cause?

If you can answer no to any of the above questions, I can guarantee you that "guest" auctioneer will end up costing you a lot more than it would to hire a professional.

Please let us know if you know of a non- profit organization we could assist! We can add value to any charity's fund raising benefit by offering our professional services. Professional Benefit Auctioneers offer a service to any fundraiser, gala, or event that actually generates income! Our presence adds to the profit side of the balance sheet. A good auctioneer will never cost you money, they'll make you money.

Learn more about The AuctionGreers at: ww w.auctiongreer.com or find us on Facebook !